"Best" synthetic hydraulic fluid for the money?

[BobRip]

I was able to climb hills better. I can't think of anything else. It's been a long time, but it seems that this was this only change.
Question are OK.

I also run 10W30 Mobil 1 in the engine of the PT and all of my cars and my generator, leaf blower, but not my lawn mower. So, yeah, I am a little too careful, but I keep stuff a long time.
My Toyota Tundra came with a synthetic transmission fluid factory installed.

 

[KMA]

Case make an additive for hydraulic fluid. Case uses motor oil in many of its hydraulic machinery and then the additive that adds a form of zinc (an anti wear additive). Presumable this is to get the advantages of motor oil along with the anti wear additives that are in most hydraulic fluids. I am presently running motor oil with the case additive in my 1845. I really haven't noticed any significant difference since using the additive but my hope is that it will be beneficial over time.

A separate additive package is an interesting idea... could it be possible to use dino or synthetic 10w40 motor oil and treat it so it has many of the benefits of UTF type hydraulic fluid? (potentially at a significant cost savings)

If theory, we could choose our own multi-viscosity oil that matches our climates and operating temperatures, and mix in additives to improve corrosion and wear, hopefully helping to prolong pump and hydraulic system life.

I found this product after a short search:

H-ZOL Synthetic Hydraulic Oil Fortifier - SFR Corporation

I'm sure there are others. At ~$25 per quart, I think two quarts should be enough to treat 10 gallons. What do you guys think? Maybe something like Shell Rotella T 5w40 plus hydraulic additives? It would be nice to come up with a custom oil "recipe" for our PT's semi-unique needs.

 

[duane]

A major hydrostatic transmission manufacturer recommends a synthetic 5W-50 motor oil for ground engaging work. Castrol makes a synthetic 5W-50. This viscosity range covers winter and summer.

 

[KMA]

A major hydrostatic transmission manufacturer recommends a synthetic 5W-50 motor oil for ground engaging work. Castrol makes a synthetic 5W-50. This viscosity range covers winter and summer.

Wow, that should cover it for sure! Assuming of course there isn't a large "downside" to using an multi-visosity oil with such a wide range. I'd like to find a widely available (and low-cost?) hydraulic additive product, and then contact the company to get their thoughts on using it with motor oil.

Anyone have any suggestions on a good product? How about that one from Case, anyone know the part number?

Thanks again.

 

[Phils]

Kevin,

Motor oil.

Never noticed any foaming problem. Actually the only foaming problem I've EVER had was with that Allison transmission in the Kenworth.... took me a couple of years to figure it out and remedy the situation: the pickup tube was machined with too deep of a groove for the O-ring and it sucked air (not only mine but thousands) and required a double O-ring to seal correctly. I lost a lot of synthetic tranny fluid because of that. Typically, after running at 75mph across Wyoming and then stopping for a p-break, the fluid would start bubbling out of the top vent and puddle under the trans. I passed the solution on to Allison shops and got many 'thanks'. (yes, I know that the speed limit then was 55 but the statute of limitations has expired)

I've tried various additives over the years but found none that made any noticeable improvements.

I COULD write a book on my lubrication experiences but won't (all readers wipe brow now and say "WHEW!!).

BUT...

...the best analogy I've ever heard is this:

Imagine sliding a refrigerator laying on its side across a patio. Hard.

Spread some gravel across the patio and slide the fridge. Easier.

Instead of gravel, put ball bearings on the patio. Easiest.

That is the difference between no oil, dino oil, and synthetic oil IMO.

Phil

 

[KMA]

Thanks Phil. That is good information.

Honestly, I'll most likely go with a synthetic 5w50 motor oil based on what I've been told so far. I'd still like to pursue the hydraulic additive idea some more. I doubt I'd "notice" any difference, but I can't help but wonder if it would benefit the PT's system over the long run. If it doesn't add up to much more cost, I might just give it a try based on what the manufacturers tell me regarding use with motor oil. To continue the analogy theme... It's kind of like taking a daily vitamin, will it really help you live longer and healthier? Maybe you eat plenty healthy already, or you end up getting hit by a bus before your time... who knows if it was worth it. I guess you could trust what doctors and drug companies claim, but I don't think they are any more reliable than oil company reps.

 

[Bob999]

How about that one from Case, anyone know the part number?

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[Bob999]

How about that one from Case, anyone know the part number?

I think the part number is B17508. I paid $16.55 per quart and a quart treats 5 gallons.

 

[KMA]

I think the part number is B17508. I paid $16.55 per quart and a quart treats 5 gallons.

Thanks Bob!

 

[ponytug]

There is a report that the Case HTO uses calcium based anti-wear/ high friction additives because they were having issues with the Zn based formulas which were more corrosive to the non-ferrous metals in the tractors.

I'm not a big fan of additives, as I presume that the designers knew more about what the system needed than I could ever learn. That said, I have used TufOil on a variety of low speed, high friction items very effectively, as well as an old 1988 Saab (bought at 85k, driven to 265k, and sold to someone who drove it for awhile longer). Data point 1.The Saab used motor oil in the manual transmission, so I added some tufoil, which dramatically reduced the friction, but turned out to be a really dumb idea that made it harder to shift. (Hint: think of sliding synchromesh rings, instead of synchromesh rings that engage...Duh! A prompt transmission oil change and 40,000 miles of shifting later, it was back to normal.)

Given the wetbrakes and gearotors in the 14XX and 18XX series, I wouldn't rush to use additives in those PTs.

All the best,

Peter

Thanks Phil. That is good information.

Honestly, I'll most likely go with a synthetic 5w50 motor oil based on what I've been told so far. I'd still like to pursue the hydraulic additive idea some more. I doubt I'd "notice" any difference, but I can't help but wonder if it would benefit the PT's system over the long run. If it doesn't add up to much more cost, I might just give it a try based on what the manufacturers tell me regarding use with motor oil. To continue the analogy theme... It's kind of like taking a daily vitamin, will it really help you live longer and healthier? Maybe you eat plenty healthy already, or you end up getting hit by a bus before your time... who knows if it was worth it. I guess you could trust what doctors and drug companies claim, but I don't think they are any more reliable than oil company reps.